WallDockDeck
Palm Beach · Palm Beach County

What are the boat lift rules in Palm Beach?

Allowed on Lake Worth docks; 25 ft side setbackextra 2 ft between lift pilings

On Lake Worth the Town of Palm Beach allows one pier or landing dock per lot with its appurtenances, set back at least 25 feet from the side property lines extended. Platform boat lifts are not counted in the 10-foot gangway and terminal widths, an extra 2 feet is allowed between pilings at a boat lift for loading, and no stored or moored vessel may cross the side lines.

Source: Town of Palm Beach Code Ch. 62, Art. III, Secs. 62-74, 62-75 (Supp. 30 Update 1; Ord. 009-2024); s. 403.813(1)(s), F.S. (2026); 33 CFR 322.3(a) · Verified 2026-10

The detail

Side setbackA dock or marine structure and related appurtenances at least 25 feet from a line extending the side property lines into the waterway - Code Sec. 62-75(h)6 (same text in 62-74(2)f)
Lift widthGangway and terminal widths are capped at 10 feet, not counting platform boat lifts or other mechanical components for storing vessels; an additional 2 feet is allowed between pilings at boat lifts for loading - Sec. 62-75(h)4-5
Boat on the liftNo vessel docked, moored or stored at a dock may encroach beyond the extended side property lines - Sec. 62-75(h)7
ReachDocks and marine structures within 6 feet west of the U.S. Pierhead Line and no more than 150 feet from land or mean high water - Sec. 62-75(h)2-3
Everglades Island and Ibis IsleOn the north, south and west sides, vessel-storage appurtenances may project up to 25 feet from the bulkhead or mean high water - Sec. 62-75(h)9
How manyOne pier or landing dock and its appurtenances per lot - Sec. 62-75(h)
PlansPrepared by or with a Florida-licensed civil engineer and approved by the town engineer - Sec. 62-75(l), (o)
State and federalFloating boat lifts and floating vessel platforms that meet s. 403.813(1)(s), F.S. (they float at all times, hold the vessel out of the water, and either sit inside a previously permitted slip or total no more than 500 sq ft - 200 sq ft in Outstanding Florida Waters - beside a qualifying dock or bulkhead) need no state permit; a local government may then ask only for a one-time registration unless the platform is attached to a bulkhead with no dock. Structures in navigable waters otherwise need Army Corps authorization unless exempt or under a general permit - 33 CFR 322.3(a).

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The county rule behind this

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Palm Beach CountySeawall requirements county-wide

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